Who Are the Druze?
The Druze (Durūz, al-Muwaḥḥidūn—"Unitarians") are an ethnoreligious group numbering approximately 1-2 million—primarily in Syria (700,000), Lebanon (350,000), Israel (150,000), and Jordan (30,000), with diaspora in Americas, Europe, and Australia. They speak Arabic. The Druze religion emerged in 11th-century Egypt from Ismaili Islam but developed into a distinct esoteric faith, closed to converts since 1043. Druze communities have maintained distinctive identity in the Levantine mountains for a millennium, often serving as military forces for regional powers while preserving autonomy. Their secretive religion and tight-knit communities have enabled survival in a turbulent region.
Origins and Faith
The Druze faith emerged in Cairo under Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah (996-1021), whom early missionaries proclaimed divine. After al-Hakim's disappearance (1021), the faith crystallized; conversion closed (1043). Druze theology blends Islamic mysticism, Neoplatonism, and other influences. Core beliefs include unity of God (tawhid), reincarnation of souls within the community, and cycles of divine revelation. Religious knowledge is restricted to initiated 'uqqal (wise); the majority juhhal (uninitiated) follow moral codes without accessing scriptures. This secrecy has fueled speculation but also protected the community from persecution by maintaining inscrutability.
Historical Survival
Druze concentrated in Lebanese and Syrian mountains, where terrain provided defensibility. Under Ottoman rule, Druze maintained semi-autonomy; the Ma'n and Shihab dynasties (16th-19th centuries) ruled Mount Lebanon. Druze-Maronite tensions culminated in 1860 massacres that prompted French intervention. Under French Mandate, Druze in Syria's Jabal al-Druze region led the 1925 Great Syrian Revolt. Druze have strategically allied with different powers to survive—serving in Lebanese, Syrian, Israeli, and Palestinian militias depending on circumstances. This pragmatic loyalty to host states, combined with fierce community defense, has been survival strategy.
Modern Challenges
Contemporary Druze face different situations in each country. Israeli Druze serve in the IDF (unique among Arab citizens); some embrace Israeli identity, others maintain Arab/Palestinian solidarity. Syrian Druze largely supported Assad during civil war, fearing Islamist alternatives; the Druze-majority Suwayda governorate has seen protests against the regime. Lebanese Druze, led by the Jumblatt family, navigate sectarian politics. Jordan's small community is integrated. Syrian war displaced many; emigration threatens demographic viability. How Druze maintain community cohesion, religious practice, and political survival amid regional turbulence challenges this ancient esoteric community.
Culture and Identity
Druze culture combines Arab traditions with distinctive elements. Hospitality, honor codes, and community solidarity are paramount. The 'uqqal (religious) are recognizable by distinctive dress—white turbans for men, white veils for women; they abstain from alcohol and tobacco. Marriage outside the community was traditionally forbidden; this is changing in diaspora. Druze villages maintain cohesion; community gatherings (majlis) reinforce bonds. The five-colored Druze star represents five prophets or cosmic principles. Druze identity transcends the countries dividing them; cross-border visits (when possible) maintain unity. This close-knit community has preserved itself through a millennium of regional convulsions.
References
- Firro, K. (1992). A History of the Druzes
- Swayd, S. (2006). Historical Dictionary of the Druzes
- Hazran, Y. (2014). The Druze Community and the Lebanese State